Comstock Township - Township Board - April 27, 2026 Meeting

Updated about 2 hours ago

Comstock's Board of Trustees meeting on Monday April 27th was interrupted by a power outage. The board still convened to address several key issues, notably, public comment policies on non-agenda items and the appointment of members to the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). Additionally, the board deliberated on a purchasing policy for the township and explored the possibility of applying for a grant to fund outdoor warning sirens, which would intend to enhance community safety.

Chapters

Welcome (00:00:11)
The meeting begins with a welcome to the Charter Township Board meeting on Monday.

The meeting begins with a welcome from the chairperson, who greets everyone present and acknowledges the start of the Charter Township Board meeting on Monday.
Call to Order (00:00:18)
The meeting is officially called to order, marking the start of official proceedings.

The chairperson officially calls the meeting to order, signaling the start of the meeting's official proceedings. Participants are reminded to be respectful and considerate during the discussions.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:45)
The Pledge of Allegiance is recited by the attendees to the flag of the United States of America.

All attendees stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, reaffirming their commitment to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Approval of the Agenda (00:01:17)
A motion is made and approved to accept the meeting agenda.

A motion is made by Clerk Champion to approve the meeting agenda. The motion is seconded, and with all members in favor, the agenda is approved without opposition.
Public Comment - Agenda Items Only (00:01:32)
Public comments are invited specifically on agenda items. Citizens express concerns and ask questions.

Citizens are invited to comment on agenda items only. A resident raises questions about the purchase policy, its potential revision, and concerns about spending limits and bidding processes. Another resident comments on the structure of public comment in meetings.
Public Comment - General (00:03:31)
General public comments are made, covering various topics such as the purchase policy, fire department funding, and rezoning issues.

Residents express their views on various topics during the general public comment period. Concerns are raised about the purchase policy, spending on legal services, and the structure of public comments in meetings. Comments also address fire department funding and the rezoning of a property.
Consent Agenda (00:25:50)
The consent agenda is presented, including approval of bills and previous meeting minutes.

The consent agenda is presented for approval, which includes the approval of bills payable and minutes from previous meetings. A motion is made to approve the consent agenda as presented, and it passes with one opposition.
Fire and Rescue Grant Requests (00:26:22)
The board discusses and approves several grant requests for the fire and rescue department.

The fire and rescue department requests approval to submit several grant requests: one to Enbridge for replacing a fire prevention prop, another to FEMA's BRIC program for building a new fire station, and a third to the Department of Transportation for a roadway incident safety program. All requests are approved.
Zoning Board of Appeals Appointments (00:33:03)
Appointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals are discussed and a reminder of adherence to ordinances is made.

The board discusses appointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals. A resident expresses the importance of adherence to the Township's ordinances and master plan in future decisions and appointments.
Discussion on Rezoning Compliance with Master Plan (00:36:03)
The board discussed the compliance of rezoning requests with the master plan and considered the uses in the B3 zone before approving the ordinance.

The main discussion focused on whether the rezoning request was in compliance with the master plan. The board was reminded to consider all uses in the B3 zone and the findings of the zoning administrator. The request to rezone parcels to B3 General was deemed consistent with the master plan, and the standards were reviewed. Questions were invited before a motion to approve was made and supported. A roll call vote approved the ordinance.
Clerk's Report on Absentee Ballots and Voter Registration (00:37:52)
The clerk reminded voters of deadlines for absentee ballots and voter registration, providing details on ballot spoilage and signature discrepancies.

The clerk provided a report reminding voters about important deadlines related to absentee ballots and voter registration. Voters who need to spoil their absentee ballot must do so by Friday. Those with rejected ballots due to signature discrepancies need to secure their signature. Voter registration must be done in person with proof of residency. The clerk's office will be open to assist voters, and polls will be open on election day.
Recognition of Deputy Clerk's Certification Achievement (00:38:45)
Nicole Shook was recognized for completing the Michigan Professional Municipal Clerk Certification Program, demonstrating her commitment to the job.

The board recognized Deputy Clerk Nicole Shook for completing the Michigan Professional Municipal Clerk Certification Program, a three-year program covering all aspects of the clerk's role. Her certification demonstrates hard work, diligence, and commitment. The board congratulated her on this achievement, noting the dedication required to complete the program.
Treasurer's Report on Purchasing Policy Revision (00:39:33)
The board discussed revisions to the purchasing policy, focusing on dollar thresholds, administrative burdens, and the role of committees in the process.

Treasurer Bloomfield and Brett Padgett presented revisions to the purchasing policy. The discussion covered dollar thresholds for purchases, the use of requisitions and purchase orders, and the role of the Township's attorney. The board debated whether a committee should be involved in reviewing bids before board approval. The need to streamline the policy to reduce administrative burden while maintaining oversight was emphasized. Feedback from various board members was solicited, and further revisions will be made based on this input.
Resolution Recognizing National Police Week (01:00:58)
The board approved a resolution recognizing National Police Week and honoring law enforcement officers, including a ceremony in Lansing for fallen officers.

Treasurer Bloomfield introduced a resolution to recognize National Police Week and honor law enforcement officers, including those in the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office, Michigan State Police, and local agencies. The resolution also acknowledges dispatchers, correctional personnel, and probation officers. The board approved the resolution, and plans were made to send it to relevant parties. A ceremony in Lansing for fallen officers was mentioned.
Discussion on Planning Commission Letter (01:03:07)
A letter from the Planning Commission to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission was discussed, with concerns about its content and approval process.

Trustee Pratt raised concerns about a letter sent by the Planning Commission to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. The letter, using the Township Board's name, was sent without the board's prior knowledge or approval. Trustee Pratt emphasized the need for any correspondence bearing the board's name to be reviewed by the board members. The letter's content was seen as potentially contradictory to previous board decisions, and the process of its creation and dissemination was questioned.
Motion to Investigate Letter Sent to Liquor Control (01:08:55)
A motion was made to have the attorney investigate a letter sent to Liquor Control without board approval.

A board member made a motion for the attorney, Robert Call, to investigate the sending of a letter to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission without the board's knowledge or consent. The motion was prompted by confusion surrounding the letter's origin, its lack of a date, and whether it was actually received by the commission.
Discussion on Ordinance Violation by Elected Official (01:10:07)
Discussion on an ordinance violation involving an elected official with a liquor license.

The board discussed an ordinance violation involving Ben Martin, an elected official with a winemaking license. The township has an ordinance against elected officials holding a liquor license, leading to a legal review. There was confusion about whether a business, Soil Friends, was in violation, which was clarified as not being the case.
Approval of Zoning Board of Appeals Appointments (01:39:39)
The board approved appointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals, including reappointment of Jodi Kolby.

The board discussed and approved appointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Jodi Kolby was reappointed, and a motion was made to appoint Lori Kreitzer. Discussions included the qualifications of candidates and the need for diverse expertise on the board. A roll call vote was conducted to confirm appointments.
Appointments and Nominations (01:43:06)
Discussion and voting on nominations for planning commission and ZBA positions, including Lori and Dave Vander Warden.

The board discussed nominations for various positions. Jodi will keep her seat, but there are new appointments to be made. A motion was made to vote on the candidates. Lori was nominated for the planning commission, and the board discussed her qualifications. There was a roll call vote, with the majority supporting the nomination. The discussion continued with the nomination of Dave Vander Warden, a licensed builder, for the ZBA. His practical experience was highlighted as beneficial. A motion was made to appoint him, with some members expressing support and others having reservations.
Motion and Vote on Appointments (01:45:23)
Board conducted roll call votes on the nominations for the planning commission and ZBA appointments, approving Lori and Dave.

The board conducted roll call votes for the nominations discussed. Trustee Terry, Trustee Amos, Trustee MacGyver, Supervisor Martin, Trustee Pratt, Clerk Amp, and Treasurer Bloomfield participated in the voting. Lori was approved for the planning commission with a majority vote. The board then voted on the nomination of Dave Vander Warden for the ZBA, with discussion on his qualifications and a roll call vote that resulted in approval.
Discussion on Alternate Position (01:46:29)
Board discussed the possibility of appointing an alternate member for the ZBA, with Jennifer Burnett being considered.

Following the approval of the main appointments, the board discussed appointing an alternate member for the ZBA. Jennifer Burnett was suggested as a candidate due to her long-term residency and volunteer work in the township. Trustee Pratt and Clerk Amp supported the idea of appointing an alternate, and a motion was made to consider Jennifer for the alternate position.
Vote on Alternate Appointment and Public Comments (01:50:01)
Board voted on Jennifer Burnett for ZBA alternate and listened to public comments on various issues.

The board voted on the motion to appoint Jennifer Burnett as the ZBA alternate. The motion was passed with five votes in favor and two against. Following the vote, the board opened the floor to public comments, where residents expressed their opinions on the board's decisions and other township matters, including the need for outdoor warning sirens and concerns about transparency.
Discussion on Outdoor Warning Sirens (01:55:34)
Board discussed the need for outdoor warning sirens and possible grant applications to fund them.

The board discussed the potential purchase and installation of outdoor warning sirens in the township. The discussion included the benefits of applying for grants, such as the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, to fund the sirens. Board members expressed support for the idea, and a motion was made to pursue grant opportunities to cover the cost.
Motion to Apply for Grant for Sirens (01:59:05)
Board made and approved a motion to apply for a grant to fund outdoor warning sirens.

A motion was introduced to authorize the township board to apply for the BRIC grant to fund the installation of outdoor warning sirens. The motion was supported by several board members and was unanimously approved. The board discussed the logistics of preparing the grant application and the potential involvement of township officials and experts in the process.
Reports from Superintendent and Other Officials (02:00:18)
Superintendent Hass and other officials provided updates on township activities and financial reports.

Superintendent Hass reported on various township activities and recent developments, including a neighborhood block grant for home rehabilitation. The board reviewed financial reports, including the cash summary and quarterly investment report. The resignation of the DDA director was also noted, along with updates on FOIA requests and other administrative matters.
Public Comments on Agenda and Non-Agenda Items (02:01:03)
Residents provided public comments on agenda and non-agenda items, including sirens, transparency, and board conduct.

The board opened the floor to public comments, allowing residents to address both agenda and non-agenda items. Comments included support for the installation of outdoor warning sirens, concerns about internet outages affecting weather alerts, and calls for greater transparency in board agendas and decisions. Some residents criticized board members' conduct and decision-making processes, while others expressed gratitude for efforts to improve township safety and services.
Public Comments (02:19:20)
Several residents express dissatisfaction with the board's actions and decisions, citing concerns about transparency, conflict of interest, and public safety.

Residents expressed their concerns about the board's actions, particularly the walkout by board members in protest of insulting behavior. They discussed issues related to the planning commission and the need for public comments to be respected. One speaker mentioned the need for the fire station to be expanded by purchasing a neighboring lot.
Public Safety Concerns (02:27:00)
A resident raised concerns about safety issues related to a homeless encampment near her property and suggested community involvement in safety improvements.

A resident expressed concern about an open house held by homeless individuals in the woods behind her house, highlighting safety issues. She suggested ways to improve community safety, including water testing kits and sirens.
Budget and Financial Concerns (02:30:01)
Discussion on budget allocation for fire department and the need for grants to fund necessary safety equipment like sirens.

A speaker criticized the board's decision on the fire department's budget allocation, questioning the rejection of a proposal to fund sirens. The speaker emphasized the need for better communication and transparency regarding the board's financial decisions.
Resident Concerns and Board Response (02:34:46)
Residents voiced their concerns over board decisions affecting community interests, with emphasis on transparency and fairness.

Residents expressed disappointment with the board's handling of local issues, particularly around transparency and community engagement. They criticized personal attacks during meetings and called for more respectful and productive discussions.
Board Member Comments (02:36:00)
Board members addressed public concerns, defended their actions, and discussed adherence to ordinances and legal processes.

Board members responded to public comments, explaining their positions and the legal obligations they must follow. They emphasized their duty to uphold ordinances and expressed hope for resolving conflicts while ensuring community interests are prioritized.
Michigan Downtown Association Involvement (02:52:42)
Discussion on involvement with Michigan Downtown Association for running a DDA board and understanding board responsibilities.

The meeting included a discussion on the involvement of the Michigan Downtown Association to provide guidance on how to effectively run a Downtown Development Authority (DDA) board and the responsibilities of being a board member.
Authorization of DDA Emails and Membership Renewals (02:52:51)
Board members were authorized DDA emails, and memberships were renewed as part of administrative updates.

During the meeting, DDA board members were authorized specific DDA emails for communication purposes, and there was a renewal of certain memberships to maintain active participation in relevant associations.
Board Composition and Appointments (02:53:00)
The DDA board consists of nine eager members, including business owners, with appointments verified for compliance with statutes.

The DDA board is composed of nine members who are eager to serve, including some business owners. The appointments were made in consultation with Attorney Thaw to ensure compliance with statutory requirements.
Homeless Committee and Ordinance Review (02:53:18)
Attorney Thaw is working on ordinance review to address homelessness, with plans for committee involvement.

The homeless committee is progressing with Attorney Thaw taking the lead on reviewing ordinances. Plans are in place to convene and discuss the review process for addressing the homelessness issue within the community.
Sirens Project and Deputy Supervisor Involvement (02:53:31)
Project to move forward with sirens, Deputy Supervisor Rockwell and William Knight assisting, with further collaboration anticipated.

Efforts to advance the sirens project were discussed, with Deputy Supervisor Rockwell and William Knight providing assistance. Collaboration with other members is expected to ensure timely progress and filing for project intent.
Adjournment (02:53:51)
The meeting concluded with no further comments, resulting in adjournment.

The meeting was adjourned after confirming that there were no further comments from board members, bringing the proceedings to a close.

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